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Coping with COVID - stories from an unprecedented year

Throughout the past year SaltWire Network journalists have covered every corner of the box the coronavirus has placed us in. Understandably, readers across our network have been most interested in immediate information. How many cases, and where? Am I safe in the store? Can I visit my parents? Who has toilet paper!?!

Or how can I make a suddenly necessary mask. Tara Bradbury answered that question early. You can follow her tutorial above.

Among the struggles, however, have been stories of folks not just making do, but thriving. Our journalists covered that, too.


Summerside girl with leukemia thriving despite COVID-19 challenges

Georgia Arsenault, left, her father Neil, sisters Lily, 6, and Fiona, 2, and mother Melanie. - Contributed
Georgia Arsenault, left, her father Neil, sisters Lily, 6, and Fiona, 2, and mother Melanie. - Contributed

Kristin Gardiner brought us the story of Georgia Arsenault, a little girl with big challenges. Her family is helping her meet them head-on.


Travel, work and even simple shopping became no longer so simple. It was a year where a seemingly small decision could become monumental.

Nova Scotia snowbirds face huge medical bill after contracting COVID-19 in Florida

Wayne and Debbie Mailman pose for a photo in their winter home in Florida in December 2019. The couple, who were in Florida this year and contracted COVID-19, are facing steep medical bills for their time in hospital there. - Contributed
Wayne and Debbie Mailman pose for a photo in their winter home in Florida in December 2019. The couple, who were in Florida this year and contracted COVID-19, are facing steep medical bills for their time in hospital there. - Contributed

The story of a Kings County couple who are facing hefty medical bills after they both became ill with COVID-19 while in Florida helped teach us that.


There were many stories of folks needing help, and stories of how they got it.

Deer Lake woman part of COVID-19 cluster thankful for people's support

Leslie Murrin is part of the cluster of COVID-19 cases that have been identified in Deer Lake. An employee with the town, she’s has expressed thanks for the support she’s received in a post on her Facebook page.  - Contributed
Leslie Murrin is part of the cluster of COVID-19 cases that have been identified in Deer Lake. An employee with the town, she’s has expressed thanks for the support she’s received in a post on her Facebook page. - Contributed


Of course, there are always those who must help themselves.

'Don't hate the plates': Ontario family travelling through Nova Scotia creates signs to avoid COVID-19 backlash

Don O’Neil, Cheryl Munroe, their son Will and dog Tesla came from Ontario this week to visit family and friends in Nova Scotia. Before leaving their home in Toronto, Cheryl made signs for their vehicle’s windows to let others know they have followed proper health protocols when it comes to COVID-19. - Joey Smith
Don O’Neil, Cheryl Munroe, their son Will and dog Tesla came from Ontario this week to visit family and friends in Nova Scotia. Before leaving their home in Toronto, Cheryl made signs for their vehicle’s windows to let others know they have followed proper health protocols when it comes to COVID-19. - Joey Smith

Whatever it takes to keep the family safe! That's pretty much been the theme of the year!


It has been our privilege to have the trust and support of our East Coast communities for the last 200 years. Our SaltWire team is always watching out for the place we call home. Our 100 journalists strive to inform and improve our East Coast communities by delivering impartial, high-impact, local journalism that provokes thought and action. Please consider joining us in this mission by becoming a member of the SaltWire Network and helping to make our communities better.
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